How to Care for the Skin after Laser Skin Treatment?
Laser skin treatments can address a wide range of cosmetic issues. If you are looking for an effective treatment to address pockets of fat, unwanted hair, and moderate to deep wrinkles, Dr. William Baugh can customize a cosmetic treatment plan that uses one of several advanced lasers.
Following your laser skin treatment at our Fullerton, CA, dermatology center, you will need to take simple but important steps to protect your skin while it heals. In this blog post, we discuss how to care for the skin after laser skin treatment so you can enjoy all of the cosmetic benefits of your treatment.
What Steps Should I Take during Recovery?
Following your laser skin treatment at Full Spectrum Dermatology in Fullerton, you will be given detailed recovery guidelines that should be followed closely. Your visit for laser skin treatment is also a great time to ask any questions that you have about your recovery.
Common questions include:
- How long will recovery take?
- What side effects might I experience?
- What types of side effects or complications should I report?
- Should I avoid sun exposure while I recover?
Skin Care after Laser Skin Resurfacing
Immediately after your treatment, your skin may begin to appear red and slightly swollen. The severity of these common side effects will be based on physiological factors and the intensity of your treatment.
Aftercare tips for this treatment include advice to:
- Clean the treated area multiple times a day using a solution as directed by Dr. Baugh
- Apply protective ointments and topical agents as directed by Dr. Baugh
- Use sunscreen after you have healed - no exceptions!
- Apply moisturizer on your skin while it heals
During your recovery, you may notice the treated areas of your skin beginning to peel. Your new skin may be pinkish in color, but it will gradually blend with your natural skin color.
The full benefits of your cosmetic treatment may take up to one year to become noticeable. Dr. Baugh will let you know when you can resume using skincare products.
Skin Care After Smartlipo™
Smartlipo melts away stubborn fat. The laser treatment is less invasive than traditional liposuction, but patients should still take recovery seriously. Recovery from Smartlipo does not require the use of topical agents, but patients should take care to:
- Wear compression garments as directed
- Avoid hot tubs, hot baths, and ocean water for one month after treatment
- Lightly massage the treated area 10 days after treatment and for as long as directed
- Avoid strenuous activities for up to one month
Skin Care after Laser Hair Removal
Following laser hair removal, patients can find relief from post-treatment discomfort by applying cool towels, ice packs, aloe vera, or other soothing options that Dr. Baugh approves. Your skin may be red or swollen in the treated areas for up to 72 hours post-treatment. Patients should avoid excessive sun exposure for one week after surgery. Gently exfoliating the treated areas once your skin can tolerate it can prevent ingrown hairs.
Schedule Your Laser Skin Treatment Today
Laser skin treatments allow our patients to resume normal activities sooner than surgical alternatives would allow. Avoiding excess sunlight and following your recovery guidelines are two of the most important steps you can take to protect your skin following laser skin treatment.
To learn more about the benefits of laser skin treatment, please contact our office online or call (714) 879-4312.
